The reasons are varied as for why modern Catalans in both the parliament and the streets are calling for independence. Perhaps most prominently, Catalonia has its own language, Catalan, and a 1000-year history as a distinct entity, making the region even older than the Spanish state it seeks to secede from. Further, Catalonia constitutes the “industrial heartland of Spain,”contributing to 19% of the country’s GDP. Many Catalonians feel their region finances much of the rest of Spain, and would prefer Catalan to finance itself.

Ever since the referendum on independence in October, when nearly 900 people were reported injured after clashes with national riot police, much has been made of the violence associated with the crisis.

For some Barcelona residents, such as Alexandra Galceran Latorre, actions like these on the part of the Spanish government are clear examples of why Spain has not moved on from its past under Francisco Franco, and show why independence is needed. “We are still seeing Franco in our political parties,” Latorre said to CNN. “They are fascists, and they are strangling us slowly, step by step.” Stating her intention to vote for the pro-independence party of Carles Puigdemont, Latorre added, “We are fighting to defend our language, our traditions and our culture. This is what our ancestors fought for.”

However, according to Ben Walker, a British businessman and longtime resident of Barcelona who favors unity with Spain, much of the violence that has been previously reported has largely been blown out of proportion. Walker blames “fake news” media outlets on both sides of the debate for hyping up the conflict between national officials and supporters of independence.

He argues that the unrest has hurt tourism and that full independence could have a worrisome effect on the local business community. Noting the local prevalence of Catalan flags and the relative lack of Spanish flags on Barcelona’s streets, Walker summed up the independence movement as being “quite annoying.”

According to Walker, though, the most likely outcome is that Catalonia will not ultimately secede, and that Spain will find some form of economic concessions to pacify the region, referring to aspirations of full independence as “fantasy politics.”